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Intro to Robotic Engineering

Basic & On Demand

Enrollment for Basic and On Demand courses is open on a rolling basis.

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Plus

Teachers can use the complete Plus course curriculum for flexible instruction.

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Course Summary

Develop computational, manufacturing, and critical-thinking skills while learning how to create new technologies. Students learn basic computing and manufacturing skills, with an emphasis on robotics and robot programming. Master essential skills including programming, prototyping, design, engineering, and manufacturing, while studying the mathematics and algorithms that make computers and robots work. In this course, students utilize C++ programming language, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and the Arduino robotic control system, and students apply creativity and problem-solving skills in hands-on lab experiences.

Note: You may use a free online robot (not compatible with Apple's operating system), but to get the most out of the course a physical Arduino robot like the Makeblock mBot (featured in the course's video lessons) or the mBot Ranger is the best choice. Any costs associated with a physical or online robot are the responsibility of the student or the student’s school and are not included in the course fee or curriculum.

Curriculum

This is a 1-semester course.

Unit 1: Introduction to Hardware and Design
  • Robotics in the World Around Us
  • The Engineering Process
  • Getting Started - Tools and Software
  • Components of a Robot
  • Materials and Construction
  • Effectors and Actuators
  • Sensors and Controllers
  • Using CAD
  • Modeling in Fusion 360
  • Systems Assembly
  • CAD Simulations
Unit 2: Robot Programming and Motion Control
  • Introduction to Scratch
  • Exploring mBlock
  • Programming a Robot
  • Robot Motion Control
  • Using Sensors to Control Movement
  • Programming Autonomous Movement
Unit 3: Computer Programming for Controlling Robots
  • Arduino Mode
  • Variables
  • Arithmetical Operations
  • Operators
  • Control Structures
  • Functions
  • The Engineering Development Cycle
  • Ethical Use and Responsibility
  • Wrapping Up